Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica

Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica

3 Km North West from Panama Beach Main Entrance Playa Arenilla, 50503 Costa Rica
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Avg. RM 5,946 /night, 3/19 - 3/20
RM 7,359
per night
RM 4,915
per night
RM 2,471
per night

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About

#1 of 4 all-inclusives in Gulf of Papagayo
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Location
4.5 of 5 bubbles
Rooms
4.3 of 5 bubbles
Value
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Cleanliness
4.7 of 5 bubbles
Service
4.6 of 5 bubbles
Sleep Quality
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to the top 1% of businesses across select categories.
Set in the exuberant Arenilla Beach, Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica will offer adults a stunning Unlimited-Luxury(R) getaway in Costa Rica's Gulf of Papagayo. The secure community around Secrets Papagayo provides striking views of native flora and fauna and miles of unspoiled Pacific Coast beach. This all-suite resort boasts 202 spacious suites, each with a private balcony or terrace as well as a superb Unlimited-Luxury(R) experience starting with 24-hour room service, a daily refreshed mini-bar and more. The Preferred Club will provide an enhanced level of luxury with 65 ocean view suites and additional privileges including access to a private lounge, upgraded bath amenities and mini-bar, concierge service, pillow menu and much more. Guests will enjoy limitless gourmet cuisine, without reservations, at four restaurants and one café in addition to five bars that will serve unlimited top-shelf spirits. Days and nights are filled with land, beach and water activities and live entertainment. Two pools and a pristine beach await. Rejuvenation reigns supreme at the Secrets Spa by Pevonia(R), offering massage, body and facial treatments in 13 treatment rooms and a full-service beauty salon. Follow up this rejuvenation at the fully equipped fitness center or by taking part in one of many daily and nighttime activities. Just 20 minutes from the Liberia Airport and a mere 15 minutes from the touristic town of Coco Beach, Secrets Papagayo offers guests a privileged location both within the resort and throughout the area for an ideal Unlimited-Luxury(R) getaway on the Pacific Coast. We’re committed to redefining your travel journey with our best-in-class CleanComplete Verification™ practices. While health and safety have always been our top priorities, these new protocols further elevate our standards of quality and cleanliness, enabling you to vacation at any AMResorts® property with the ultimate peace of mind. Our 360-degree quality, safety and hygiene system takes into account every aspect of resort operations, backed by the highest-level third-party certification. We will be evolving and innovating our procedures continuously and will share the newest developments as they are implemented. Our protocols begin the moment you start planning a vacation to the time you return home! To learn more about our quality, safety and hygiene practices, please search for AMResorts CleanComplete Verification™ in your favorite browser.
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Property amenities
Parking
Wifi
Fitness Centre with Gym / Workout Room
Pool
Bar / lounge
Beach
Diving
Airport transportation
Fitness / spa changing rooms
Fitness classes
Sauna
Hot bath
Pool / beach towels
Pool with view
Adult pool
Outdoor pool
Heated pool
Restaurant
Breakfast available
Breakfast buffet
Snack bar
Special diet menus
Swimup bar
Poolside bar
Tennis court
Aerobics
Entertainment staff
Evening entertainment
Fishing
Car hire
Taxi service
Business Centre with Internet Access
Conference facilities
Banquet room
Meeting rooms
Spa
Couples massage
Facial treatments
Foot massage
Full body massage
Head massage
Massage
Salon
Adults only
24-hour security
Baggage storage
Concierge
Currency exchange
Gift shop
Non-smoking hotel
Shops
Sun loungers / beach chairs
Sun umbrellas
24-hour front desk
Private check-in / check-out
Dry cleaning
Laundry service
Ironing service
Room features
Air conditioning
Housekeeping
Private balcony
Room service
Safe
Minibar
Refrigerator
Flatscreen TV
VIP room facilities
Laptop safe
Wake-up service / alarm clock
Room types
Ocean view
Non-smoking rooms
Suites
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
5.0 of 5 stars
HOTEL STYLE
Mountain View
Modern
Languages Spoken
Spanish

Location

3 Km North West from Panama Beach Main Entrance Playa Arenilla, 50503 Costa Rica
4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles5,550 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica is often celebrated for its serene, secluded location and the variety of amenities it offers, including beachside fun and multiple dining options, although some guests have suggested that poolside space is limited and the hilly terrain necessitates frequent shuttle use. The resort is recognized for its cleanliness and the dedication of its friendly staff. Reviewers have mixed feelings about the room sizes and decor, and while the vibrant atmosphere is a hit for many, it can be a bit much for those seeking tranquility. Additionally, concerns regarding value for money are mentioned, with some guests feeling the costs outweigh the benefits.
Location
Secluded
Atmosphere
Lively
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Satisfactory

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Detailed Reviews
Hannah D wrote a review Feb 2025
Diss, United Kingdom
+1
4.0 of 5 bubbles
We came to secrets papagayo as a family of 3, we were taken aback with the quality & cleanliness of our rooms, the staff on the resort cannot be faulted & they can’t do enough for you, always greeted with a smile & friendly chat.
Breakfast at the market cafe is good if it’s available, we often had to ask for items which had run out, such as glasses for juice, butter & yogurts.
The seaside grill, portofino restaurant & himitsu were fabulous, as were the aqua & the little cafe which has delicious ice creams, every coffee imaginable & cake/pastries.
BUT….evening times could be disappointing, like this evening where 2 functions (one wedding) is being held, we have very limited places to socialise as they’ve closed almost every gathering area, even the pool table & gardens. We’ve noticed much less of a couples vibe & it seems to be huge for corporate gatherings & work shindigs.
Everyone has paid a very expensive price to be here but these events have taken over almost every night.
Don’t let the steep hills here put you off though as the shuttle/bus gentlemen are absolutely wonderful & are with you in a matter of minutes to take you wherever you need to go in their lovely A/C buses.
Plenty of trips available whatever you fancy doing, find Frank the Tank on Facebook he’s brilliant!
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Date of stay: February 2025Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shirley Esquivel, Atención al huésped/Recepción at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Responded 1 week ago
Dear Hannah D Greetings from Secrets Papagayo! We’re delighted to hear that you and your family enjoyed the warmth of our staff, the comfort of your rooms, and the wonderful dining experiences throughout the resort. It’s always our goal to make every guest feel at home with genuine hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere. We appreciate your feedback on the evening gatherings and will certainly take it into account to ensure all our guests have the best possible experience. It’s wonderful to know you made the most of the excursions and our shuttle service—our team truly enjoys making every journey effortless and enjoyable. We hope to welcome you back for another beautiful getaway in paradise. ¡Pura Vida!
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Curiosity669255 wrote a review Nov 2024
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Wonderful all inclusive, adult only resort. Friendly staff, good variety of food and plenty of amenities. I read lots of reviews about how hilly the property is. This adds to the beauty of the resort. We were on the quiet side. It was a less than 5 mins walk on the beach to the main area or 7 mins walk on the pavement. Great way to burn calories after a meal. There were shows and entertainment every evening. Favorite restaurants were Seaside Grill and Aqua.

Tips:
-Men need to bring a pair of long pants, collared shirt and closed toe shoes to wear at the Japanese teppanyaki dinner and inside the Italian restaurant.
-Bring a flashlight, small keychain one works or your phone flashlight. You’ll need it when you walk the beach at night so you don’t step on the hermit crabs!
-Download the app when you arrive. You can view the menus, event schedule and order room service.
-Easy to Uber to Playas del Coco.
-There are vendors on the resort beach. Be sure to barter. You can find the same items in Playas del Coco for cheaper than they offer.

Cons:
-No self laundry facilities.
-There are some restrictions if you’re not a preferred club member. Nothing we thought was worth the upgrade.
-They gave us $200 in resort credit, but there were so many restrictions. We didn’t use any of them.
-This is a vacation ownership property. They will ask you to attend a presentation at check in. They don’t press hard if you say no.
-Pool chairs can fill up. People aren’t considerate and leave their belongings for long periods of time even when they’re not in the pool area or don’t put their towels in the bin when they’re done.
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Date of stay: October 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Wear flat comfortable shoes
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shirley Esquivel, Atención al huésped/Recepción at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Responded 11 Nov 2024
Dear Curiosity669255 Greetings from Secrets Papagayo! Thank you for such a detailed and thoughtful review! We’re delighted you enjoyed your stay, from the variety of food and friendly staff to the scenic walkways and evening entertainment. It’s great to know Seaside Grill and Aqua were your favorites, and that you made the most of exploring the beach and nearby areas. We appreciate your helpful tips for future guests and your constructive feedback. Your observations help us improve, and we’ll consider ways to enhance the guest experience. We hope to welcome you back to Secrets Papagayo for another memorable stay. Pura Vida! This response addresses both the positive experiences and the constructive feedback. Let me know if you’d like any further tweaks!
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John D wrote a review Feb 2025
Colgate, Wisconsin
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
We have been to many Secrets resorts and this was very different from the others. It is a small resort with (mostly) side by side villas built into the hillside, very hilly to walk around but shuttles are available as needed. We preferred to walk - great exercise after eating. The beach was black and tan sand, and the ocean water was very calm - snorkeling and kayaking is available via the activity center. Pool chairs fill up quickly, but the staff was always willing to find more if needed. Food and drink were great, staff was very friendly, weather was perfect. I would suggest the jet ski excursion that is offered by Jeff and Carlos, they are on the beach (left side as you face the water), Jose was our guide, were toured the area, stopped across the bay to feed the white-faced monkeys, snorkeled with sting rays and turtles and toured a volcanic cave reasonable cost for 2 people $160 ( $80/pp.)
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Review collected in partnership with Hyatt Hotels
Date of stay: January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shirley Esquivel, Atención al huésped/Recepción at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Responded 6 Feb 2025
Dear John D Greetings from Secrets Papagayo! Thank you for sharing your experience at Secrets Papagayo. We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed our hillside villas, the unique beauty of our beach, and activities like snorkeling and kayaking. We appreciate your adventurous spirit in exploring on foot and your kind words about our team. Your feedback inspires us to continue providing exceptional experiences. We look forward to welcoming you back. Pura Vida!
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L L wrote a review Oct 2023
3.0 of 5 bubbles
We are currently staying at Secrets for a week for a special occasion. We chose this hotel because we were absolutely delighted with our stay at Secrets Akumal. Unfortunately this resort is not up to par with the Secrets chain even though the price is twice that of Mexico.
When we arrived, there was no support or specific welcome even though we opted for the Preferred Club. The hostess did not introduce us to the hotel or the benefits of privilege status, nothing, sent directly to our room. We had a spa session included and we had to investigate for ourselves to find out what we were entitled to or not (by asking 3 different people!).
The room is spacious but the mini bar which is presented on the brochure as more "provided" for the Preferred is completely ordinary with a small box of Pringles and a packet of MMs...
The location is however advantageous although particularly noisy...
The refill from day to day is random, sometimes yes sometimes too bad.
The hotel is beautiful and clean but you have to go back for the choice whether in terms of alcohol or food (little alcohol and choice of dishes).
No reservations possible in restaurants (even for a special occasion) so be prepared for an average wait of 40 minutes. Also be warned that one restaurant closes per day so this creates crowds in the remaining restaurants (we discovered this at our own discretion).
The same goes for service around the pool or at the bar, prepare to queue even if there aren't many people...
And again the same for room service with 40 minutes of waiting on average for a poor choice and low quality (worse than at the buffet) and a lot of errors/oversights in orders.
Reserving a sunbed is almost impossible unless you wait in front of the Preferred reception at 7am.
A Preferred lounge is sold as an extra with better alcohol and snacks but it is nothing like a lounge (5 chairs that fight a duel and a micro terrace) next to the concierge offices and I did not considering snacks (except a beef dish reheated at 4 p.m....)
The beach remains the main asset of this hotel with an incredible view but for the rest we are not up to 5-star standards. Damage...
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Google
Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Pas nécessaire de prendre le Preffered
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kate9423 wrote a review Dec 2023
Shrewsbury, United Kingdom
+1
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Firstly, we had the most amazing honeymoon here in December ‘23. Costa Rica itself is stunning and we enjoyed many external trips with Frank the Tank, which were outstanding.

The hotel itself is set on a hillside, which we loved. We didn’t use the shuttles but just walked- it meant we didn’t return home 2 stone heavier from an all inclusive!
The scenery is stunning and the wildlife we saw was amazing.
The staff are beyond wonderful. Nothing was too much trouble for any of them and the pool staff were amazing bringing drinks etc. John around the spa pool was a perfect host, making great cocktails.
The pools themselves were nice with a chilled morning by the spa pool and we then walked by the beach to the main pool for the afternoon. We managed to get a sunbed every time around 0800 and even in the afternoon around the main pool. If not, we just used the chairs near the seagrill- it really isn’t that much drama that some people say it is!
Housekeeping were great and when we accidentally smashed a glass in our room, we called reception and the nicest guy arrived within 10mins to clear it up. He was a hoot.
The food was good overall. I am vegan and after 2 weeks I found the food quite ‘samey’ but I don’t eat meat, fish, dairy or anything from animal products. The hotel could be more inclusive if they didn’t put cheese on things at the buffet, as well as a dish of cheese next to it. Just leave it off and then you cater for many more people.
There was soya and almond milk available on request, but again, just leave it out for people to help themselves to.
I’d have appreciated some soya yoghurt/butter etc but work in progress eh?!

Overall we had a fantastic time. The hotel was brilliant and we would 100% come back to Costa Rica AND Secrets Papagayo.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: The shop is very expensive. Bring extra suncream and bug spray. We stayed in Room 307 and it...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shirley Esquivel, Atención al huésped/Recepción at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Responded 3 Jan 2024
Dear k823127 Greetings from Secrets Papagayo! Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing honeymoon at Secrets Papagayo in Costa Rica. Your feedback about the stunning scenery, outstanding external trips, and the wonderful staff is truly appreciated. We'll certainly take your suggestions regarding vegan options into consideration for future improvements. We look forward to welcoming you back for another fantastic stay in the future! Pura Vida!
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tashaaa1 wrote a review Jan 2025
London, United Kingdom
+1
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Overall we had a great time in costa rica, it was different to anywhere we had ever been before and so much is unique about the country.
I will summarise the good and bad points about the hotel as it's easier than going too much into detail.

Good points:
Only 30 min drive from the airport
Great location, lovely beach and great natural surroundings
Staff are very polite and helpful, our first room had a small bug problem (ants, spiders, centipedes, flies) , but they got us moved into another room after one night, and the second room had no insects in it. I suppose we sort of accepted it is in a tropical country so that was to be expected.
There are a lot of drink options, and the bartenders are very good.
You can walk round from the beach into a second cove and it let's you watch an undisturbed sunset from that location
Two pools, one is quiet and one is lively.
Evening entertainment is great and differs day to day.
There are a lot of activities in the day time, from art classes to yoga classes, there really is something for everyone.
The rooms are comfy with big beds.
The food is good, but there could be more variety.
There are a couple of different walking trails into nature on the resort.

Bad points:
Sunbeds - there are not nearly enough of them, people reserve them very early and you will not find a sunbed unless you get down there early, and save a bed
Our first room had bugs, we were told this is normal in the tropics, however when we moved to the second room it had none, so it would seem it was not normal.
Limited number of restaurants, meant you ate at the same one multiple times in your stay, the food was good but became repetitive.
Disposable plastic cups used - not exactly environmentally friendly for an eco hotel. They did have reusable plastic ones but they hardly ever used them which seemed strange.
Gym was quite small and became very busy and hot at times where the air-conditioning wasn't working correctly.
We had a couple of occasions where we waited over an hour for food to be served at restaurants then started to notice people who came after us being served before us, this happened a few times, not only to us but a few other people we spoke to ended up walking out of restaurants because of it. This was mainly at breakfast and lunch times.

Lastly just a few tips and things we experienced to be prepared for when you're there, but nothing against the hotel, just things to expect.
Sea water is not clear there isn't really anywhere to snorkel.
There are jellyfish in the sea, you may be stung but it's not that bad just irritation for about an hour in the spot where it's hit you.
Bring mosquito spray, if you get bitten you definitely will be here.
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Date of stay: January 2025Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip: Bring mosquito spray Expect jelly fish Expect big bugs
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shirley Esquivel, Atención al huésped/Recepción at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Responded 16 Jan 2025
Dear tashaaa1 Greetings from Secrets Papagayo! Thank you for sharing a detailed review of your stay! We're delighted you enjoyed our team's natural beauty, activities, and hospitality. We appreciate your constructive feedback regarding dining variety, sunbeds, and eco-friendly practices—these help us improve. We’re thrilled you embraced Costa Rica's unique aspects and look forward to welcoming you back for an even better experience. Pura Vida!
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fernando c wrote a review Sept 2023
San Jose, Costa Rica
2.0 of 5 bubbles
I regret to report that the service was not as expected, the buses and the waiting time were more than 30 minutes during the afternoon, all for a wedding, waiting more than 25 minutes for a dish at lunch was not pleasant in the restaurant buffet due to the situation of gluten and breading in most of the meats in the buffet, the attention in the part of the pool with the cloths was not what was expected, they had to take the cloths to the beach for 30 minutes and nothing, we had to go up wet to the pool, waiting more than 1 hour for gel bath soap because they didn't leave it in the room, is there a greater preference for tourists than for nationals?
According to what was reported at the reception, there was going to be music in the amphitheater after 11 pm, we went down from 427 and there was nothing, the bar had no atmosphere either, I think the bad information provided was very bad taste, it has not been a pleasant stay over the course of all afternoon. There are no cherries in the bar, a very large shortage of products. Among them Coca-Cola Zero! The attention of the carriers, however, was very kind regarding the suitcases. The rooms honestly felt very small, especially one that had a panoramic view with the price that corresponds to this room number 427. The Japanese restaurant at night the portions were too small so much so that you have to order two or more, in the Italian they were small but very good flavor, especially the Gluten-Free pasta, The capresse salad was miniature, Honestly very disappointed for the type of hotel compared to its brother dreams las tides, I was expecting something more gourmet!
Leaving aside the bad, Mr. Adrián Trejos let us leave late as a late check out. Compensating for this bad experience, the Restaurant that I can say was very good was the one next to the spa, which was the menu. The buffet left a lot to be desired. Few Gluten Free options. The beach is very nice, the pools are very small. The walking distance is a little uncomfortable, especially for older adults since you can only transport it by bus from one side to the other since the Hotel has been divided in two. The cafeteria had very delicious coffee and had a variety of milks, however the desserts themselves were not gluten-free. Fortunately there was only one Gluten Free blackberry dessert for dinner. The Room Service options were quite limited and did not differ from the pool snacks. For the price they charge per room per night I expected something more Luxury.
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Google
Date of stay: September 2023
1.0 of 5 bubblesValue
2.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
2.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
VICKI Y wrote a review Feb 2025
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Juan Manuel and Secrets
I hope this email finds you well.

I am writing to express my profound disappointment regarding our recent stay at Secrets Resort Beach. My partner and I had high expectations for our vacation, but unfortunately, our experience was marred by several significant issues.

Upon our arrival on February 14, we were warmly greeted by Roy around 8:30 PM. After dinner, we went to bed exhausted from our long drive from San Jose to the Pacific coast, which took nearly seven hours due to traffic. However, our first night was anything but restful. At approximately 6:30 AM, we were rudely awoken by loud noises, presumably from hotel staff cutting trees in front of our room. This disturbance lasted for several hours. Moreover, the cleaning staff were speaking loudly while cleaning near our room and knocked on our door multiple times, further disrupting our sleep. As a light sleeper, it was nearly impossible for me to fall back asleep even with earplugs, and my partner, who is usually a heavy sleeper, was also disturbed by the persistent noise.

Additionally, we received two unwarranted phone calls from the hotel that morning. The first call was regarding plates, which we never ordered from room service—something that should have been evident from the hotel's records. The second call was about a dress for laundry, which we never request anything to be cleaned. These unnecessary interruptions exacerbated our sleep deprivation and negatively impacted our overall experience. As a result, we had to cancel our planned excursions for the following morning due to restlessness.

Adding to our frustration, the next morning, we were looking forward to trying the lobster at the Sea Grill, only to find it was sold out 2 days in a row. Given the number of guests, we believe the resort should have been better stocked or at least updated the availability on the website.

Lastly, one of the main reasons we chose this resort was the promise of tennis courts. However, we were dismayed to discover, only after we had already checked in, that they had been converted to pickleball courts. This misleading information was a significant letdown.

In light of these issues—particularly the loud noise disturbances on the first night, the unwarranted phone calls, the misleading information regarding amenities, and the lack of well-stocked food—we feel thoroughly cheated and manipulated by the hotel.

We respectfully request a full refund for our first night's stay due to the severe inconveniences we endured.

Had we been informed of these issues beforehand, we would have reconsidered our booking. We hope you understand the gravity of our concerns and take immediate action to address this matter.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this issue. We look forward to your swift response.

Warm Regards,
Vicki Yam
(917) 468-4528
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Review collected in partnership with Hyatt Hotels
Date of stay: February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shirley Esquivel, Atención al huésped/Recepción at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Responded 1 week ago
Dear VICKI Y Greetings from Secrets Papagayo! Thank you for sharing your experience. I understand your concerns and want to assure you that Juan Manuel has already contacted you regarding this matter. We take all feedback seriously and are reviewing the situation thoroughly. Please rest assured that we are committed to addressing your concerns. If you require any further assistance, do not hesitate to reach out. Best regards,
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Cheryl R wrote a review Dec 2022
Ulceby, United Kingdom
3.0 of 5 bubbles
This is A NON SMOKING 5 * hotel if you smoke you have to go onto the beach which is a private 'public' one. (ie public, but difficult for the public to get to) vaping, depending on who you talk to, can be done around the hotel/ can only be done on the beach.

This could be an exceptional hotel but there are some basic standards and methodology that let it down, hence the 3 star average review. We did enjoy our stay but at times were frustrated by the service and astounded by the mini bar afford to their clients in a standard room .

We were in room 328 which was near the quiet area with a decent view down the path to the beach.

PROS....
Generally clean hotel and rooms. Although the rooms are tired.
Staff are for the most, friendly and some like Ingrid go out of their way to enhance your stay.
One of the better beaches around. Black/golden sand with very little rock or shell on it.
Good shuttle service all day and night long.
Two distinct areas available, the quiet and the lively. Both have pools.
Room service was usually quite quick and never took the advised 45 minutes.

CONS
Communication can be an issue here as they do not always understand what you are saying and it gets very frustrating for both parties.
Mini bar in standard room is only beer or coke! We complained and were offered the preffered standard type minibar which usually costs extra. Never come across this before in all my years of travel. (And it's not a cheap hotel!) Also Mini bar service stops at 6pm
Housekeeping was a bit hit and miss. We often had to ring up because they'd only left one hand towel or taken but not replaced the bath mat. Not noticed there was only one glass and we required 2. Little things like this thst should not happen in a 5* hotel and let this one down!
Although there are 5 restaurants to our dismay we found that any one of them and it changed, would not open in the evening without any prior warning. A 5* hotel near capacity closing a restaurant at night??? When we complanned we were given a schedule of closures.
Also the restaurants offer the same menu week in week out so very repeatative!
If you want to be in the quiet area and have a sunbed around the pool then you will be getting up at 5.30 to 6am to bag a bed. You will always be able to get one on the grassy area though, but the beds are not as nice!

We did meet with management (as, we found out, did others) and were offered as stated the preferred minibar and 2 bookings for the Asian restaurant (their top restaurant). But we still found ourselves ringing up for missed items in our room! So no improvement there!

There were some interesting animals there...racoons, skunks and even scorpions! As well as the usual bird life.

Overall we enjoyed our stay in Costa Rica and the Secrets, and as long as you don't expect wonderful 5* facilities, you can't go wrong here.
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Date of stay: November 2022
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
3.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Sun beds in quiet area go by 6.am! Room 328 we thought was well placed in the quiet part of the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shirley Esquivel, Atención al huésped/Recepción at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Responded 10 Dec 2022
Dear cherylrO6773WS Greetings from Secrets Papagayo! It is always a pleasure to have you with us at one of our Secrets Resorts, I am very sad to read that we were not able to meet your expectations and provide the service and experience we are accustomed to at our Secrets Resorts, please accept our sincerest apology. We are very grateful for your visit and your valuable comments and feedback, indeed very helpful and just shared with our team On behalf of Ingrid and our team, thank you very much for your visit and our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience caused. We hope you change your mind and want to visit us again, we will be happy to welcome you back and offer you much better hospitality. Pura Vida!
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
FCRRanch wrote a review Dec 2023
Ottawa, Canada
3.0 of 5 bubbles
I’ve been to a lot of 5 star all inclusive resorts and this is not one of them. This resort rates a 4 star maximum.
Overall stay, had good food, good service and our room location was excellent.
Bad side, Room cleaning, especially after covid, left little to be desired and needed to be called back to complete multiple times. They cleaned room without mask or gloves..
Prime pool and grill location had washrooms nearby and the septic smell was terrible.
Coffee not available until 6:30 am. No self serve coffee stand available. Must wait or make your own in your room…
Mini bar for preferred club room was pitiful with 3 beers, 3 cans of coke and a water.
Preferred club check in process terrible. No arrival greeting with wet cold towels, and no drink. Had to finally ask for water.
Check out also an issue. They told us we had a $200 credit on our account, but again, this did not happen. Instead they gave me a book of coupons worth $200 US that could never be used..strange.
We used the spa several times and the massage was good. Location and set up good, but fails at 5 star.
Overall, preferred club price increase definitely not worth it.
Staff very friendly and does not appear to have a staff shortage, yet you keep asking yourself, where’s the meat.
Outstanding staff was Cristian waiter from Hymtsu restaurant
And Johan and Braulio were very hard workers at the pool and beach cleanup/maintenance. Don’t know who was responsible for the septic issue.
Overall 7/10.
There are many real 5 star resorts than to duplicate a trip at this location.
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Date of stay: November 2023
3.0 of 5 bubblesValue
4.0 of 5 bubblesLocation
4.0 of 5 bubblesService
Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip: Bad septic smell near main pool. Apparently was like that last year as well. Spoke to previous...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Shirley Esquivel, Atención al huésped/Recepción at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Responded 13 Dec 2023
Dear FCRRanch Greetings from Secrets Papagayo! Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We're glad to hear you enjoyed aspects of your stay, such as the good food, service, and excellent room location. However, we apologize for the areas where we fell short of your expectations. We deeply value your insights as they help us improve. We're delighted that some of our staff, like Cristian, Johan, and Braulio, provided outstanding service. Rest assured, we're addressing your concerns internally to enhance our guest experience. Warm regards,
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_paulclory asked a question Feb 2025
Inyokern, California1 contribution
electrical outlets
Answer from sbeckem816
1 contribution
Yes
_paulclory asked a question Feb 2025
Inyokern, California1 contribution
what electrical outlets do they have?
Colin W asked a question Jan 2025
Killinchy, United Kingdom11 contributions11 helpful votes
Can you fish from the beach ,if so what are you likely to catch.
Answer from Jess
2 contributions
No, I don’t think fishing is allowed. We didn’t fish at the beach and didn’t see anyone else fishing either. But right as you walk out to the beach see Primo or Leo and you can book fishing trips either solo or group. they are the best!
Answer from Sylvia S
Granite Shoals, Texas29 contributions
I’m so sorry for the delay, I hate to tell you but they do not😊
Loretta C wrote a tip 15 Mar
Atlanta, Georgia4 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
"Find another resort. "
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Chrissie S wrote a tip Feb 2025
London, United Kingdom10 contributions3 helpful votes
2.0 of 5 bubbles
"If you are interested in the flora and fauna suggest you look at some of the hotels up in the rain forest. If you want to party stay here"
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Mike H wrote a tip Feb 2025
Cary, North Carolina32 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"The rooms are spread out and are located up/down hills. Walking is optional. I recommend using the shuttle service which is very efficient. "
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Sherrie R wrote a tip Feb 2025
Atlanta, Georgia5 contributions2 helpful votes
5.0 of 5 bubbles
"I would try and get a room closer to the main area so you don't have to ride the shuttle. "
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JETHampshire_UK wrote a tip Feb 2025
Winchester, United Kingdom136 contributions38 helpful votes
3.0 of 5 bubbles
"Sunbeds all reserved by 7.30am. Main pool has loud music from around 11am all day."
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Not the right property for you?
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PRICE RANGE
RM 2,373 - RM 6,221 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
hilton papagayo costa rica hotel gulf of papagayo, hilton papagayo costa rica resort and spa, fiesta premier costa rica, hilton gulf of papagayo, gulf of papagayo hilton, fiesta resort costa rica, fiesta premier resort spa costa rica
FORMERLY KNOWN AS
Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa
LOCATION
Costa RicaProvince of GuanacasteGulf of Papagayo
NUMBER OF ROOMS
202
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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SECRETS PAPAGAYO COSTA RICA: UPDATED 2025 Resort Reviews, Price Comparison and 7,999 Photos (Gulf of Papagayo) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Which popular attractions are close to Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica?
Nearby attractions include Costa Rica Unique Transfers and Tours (8.0 km), Café Tío Leo (7.4 km), and Costour (7.2 km).
What are some of the property amenities at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include a swimup bar, a pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Which room amenities are available at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica?
Top room amenities include a minibar, air conditioning, and a flat screen TV.
What food & drink options are available at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica?
Guests can enjoy a swimup bar, an on-site restaurant, and a lounge during their stay.
Is parking available at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica?
Yes, parking is available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica?
Conveniently located restaurants include Tandoor Indian Restaurant, Johann Bistro, and Le Coq.
Are there opportunities to exercise at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica?
Yes, guests have access to a pool, a fitness centre, and a sauna during their stay.
Does Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica have airport transportation?
Yes, Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica offers airport transportation for guests. We recommend calling ahead to confirm details.
Are any cleaning services offered at Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica?
Yes, dry cleaning and laundry service are offered to guests.
Does Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica offer any business services?
Yes, it conveniently offers a business centre, meeting rooms, and a banquet room.
Does Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica have any great views?
Yes, guests often enjoy the harbour view available here.
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